Disney Needs New Rules for Expedition Everest

There are unwritten rules for riding Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but we think it’s time some of them became official.

Animal Kingdom

If you’ve been on this ride more than once (and we assume you have, because it’s a must-do), then you’ve definitely noticed some recurring guest behavior that makes the whole experience just a little less magical. From blocked ride photos to noisy queues, we think it’s time for Disney to step in with some new etiquette guidelines—maybe even enforceable ones. Here are three new rules we think Disney needs to implement for Expedition Everest ASAP.

Let’s Cool It With the Hair Ties

Look, we’re not trying to kill anyone’s vibe here, but what’s the deal with people chucking their hair ties into the mountain?

Look to your right to see the hair ties!

If you’ve looked to the sides at the spot where it looks like your train is going to go off the rails, you’ve probably seen the collection—hundreds of hair elastics launched into the rocky ledges like some kind of rubbery shrine. It’s become a weird “thing” among guests, but we’re gonna say it: it’s time to stop.

First of all, it’s littering. Yes, even if it’s small and stretchy. Cast Members have to go clean them up, and we’re pretty sure the Yeti doesn’t appreciate his cave being turned into a scrunchie graveyard. It’s also just not the aesthetic Disney was going for, you know?

Instead, if you’re really feeling the need to leave a mark, there’s actually a spot in the queue that makes way more sense. There’s an idol/offering statue tucked into the theming (you’ll know it when you see it), and guests have been tossing coins in there for years. It feels meaningful, and here’s our idea: Disney could officially encourage that and send the proceeds to a charity. That way guests still get their “offering” moment, but it’s not creating extra cleanup or turning part of the ride into a random dumping ground.

Hair ties don’t need to be part of the legacy. Let’s keep the mountain clean.

Limit the Bell Ringing in the Queue (Please We’re Begging)

We love good theming. Everest’s queue is one of the best in the parks—full of little details and artifacts that make it feel like you’re actually in a Himalayan village. But there’s one detail that needs a little more… restraint. The bells.

There are a few small bells throughout the line, and they’re there for ambiance. But some guests treat them like they’re auditioning for a percussion section. We had a guy behind us last time who rang one constantly for the full 45-minute wait. Like, every few minutes. It started as a quirky thing and by the halfway point, the entire section of the line was giving each other “please make it stop” looks.

We’re not saying get rid of them. They’re fun in theory, and they add to the vibe. But there should be a friendly sign or reminder somewhere that says, “Ring respectfully” or “Please don’t ring repeatedly.” Just something to remind guests that there are dozens (sometimes hundreds) of people in line with them who don’t want to hear that bell 60 times before they board the train.

We promise the ride will still be thrilling even if you skip the mini concert.

Final Thoughts

We love Expedition Everest. It’s one of the best coasters in Disney World, hands down. But it’s also one of those rides where little guest habits can start to chip away at the magic if we’re not mindful. So we say it’s time for a few gentle rules—not harsh, just helpful—to keep the ride amazing for everyone.

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